The day before Hillary Clinton’s much-needed Texas primary win Tuesday, husband Bill Clinton spoke to a crowd of about 700 people in The University of Texas-Pan American’s Field House. The slim crowd barely made a dent in the 4,000-seat venue, setting off fears that Clinton’s presidential campaign was on its last breath. The results Tuesday, however, quelled those fears, for now at least. Clinton won 50.8 percent of the vote in Texas, giving her 61 popular vote delegates. Barack Obama took 47.4 per- cent and 61 delegates. Caucus results are still pending. Hidalgo County proved worthy of its Clinton country label, with 73.8 percent of votes going to the New York senator. The campaigning done in the Valley by both presidential camps was extensive, but did it really make a differ- ence in a county where Clinton was already the frontrunner? Isidroalex Morgado, freshman eco- nomics and communication double major, doesn’t think so. “Personally, I always thought there was going to be that turnaround,” he claimed. “People feel connected to Clinton because of the past — Bill Clinton. That’s what helped her out.” While waiting in line to see the for- mer president speak at UTPA Monday, Gina Lima, a sophomore engineering/pre-med major, said the idea of the Clinton duo in office was a selling point for her. “I feel like his experience in office has been amazing for the nation and both of them working together, two intellec- tual people who have experience run- ning with the nation, would be amaz- ing,” she said. Morgado, who is also president of The Republicans Club of UTPA, said while Obama had a “really good cam- paign,” he feels that the public’s person- al feelings and connection with Clinton influenced their vote. “Sometimes, emotions and feelings get more in the way and that’s more important to them; feeling that connec- The Valley may be next on the list to receive a state-of-the-art Health Science Center, according to Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. However, with many Texas metropolitan areas vying for the facility, the competition is fierce. Lucio brought to light the idea in a February meeting to the Board of Regents at The University of Texas-Pan American. In 2007, the senate approved the bill but it did not follow through with the house, so plans are for Lucio to re-file or file another bill during the next session which begins Jan. 13 2009. The bill proposed a Health Science Center with a medical school and other health programs for first- and second- year students that will cover South Texas, including Jim Hogg, Kenedy and Zapata County. It also required a $28 million startup for research and training facilities to be set up at the Regional Academic Health Center at UTPA, The University of Texas- Brownsville and Harlingen. “One of our biggest problems we are facing in this region, one of the fastest growing in the state, is that we have the lowest physician ratios in the state,” said Lucio. “In Cameron County, the ratio is 125 physicians per 100,000, and in Hidalgo that ratio is 105 physicians per 100,000…without a health science center the Rio Grande Valley is moving med- ically backward, not forward.” He added that Valley residents needing care should not have to travel to Central and North Texas to receive the care they deserve: another reason why it is imperative to establish the center. “We cannot continue to be ignored or bypassed for a health science center elsewhere with the low ratios we have,” he said. “This area has a high diabetes rate, and the lack of adequate health care By J.R. ORTEGA The Pan American See Page 16 Women’s basketball post season tourney SPORTS Toastmasters help better public-speaking skills Art E magazine features local art scene See Page 8 & 9 See Page 3 A&E NEWS 59th Year No. 22 Thursday March 6, 2008 THIS WEEK ■ STATE By SANDRA GONZALEZ The Pan American Health Science Center proposal hopeful ■ NATIONAL Roxy Solis/The Pan American VOTE FOR HILLARY - Former President Bill Clinton meets and greets with the crowd after a Monday morning rally for Sen. Hillary Clinton at The University of Texas- Pan American Field House. THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER See HEALTH page 11 See CLINTON page 11 ■ CAMPUS Jessa Parce remembers her first visit to America when she was 4 years old. The new country she found herself in was a stark contrast to her native Philippines. “I remember in the cities [in the Philippines had] many beggar children. Several were cuddled on the lengthy over- pass with one girl sitting on cardboard, cradling a baby, and children would bathe in the streets sometimes,” she said. It wasn’t until she was much older that Parce, a freshman general studies major, realized her native country was not the only one in peril. “Obviously, the degree of poverty is extremely different between the two coun- tries, but I think some things remain the same and hurt society equally,” she said. “I mean, look at all the single mothers here in the Valley, families without health insurance, some parents working two or three jobs just to make sure they have run- ning water every month.” According a 2004 study conducted by U.S. Census Bureau, 30.5 percent of Hidalgo County residents are below the poverty level. Poverty level is generally measure by indicators like the level of income, drop out rates and jobless households. See VOLUNTEER page 11 Sen. Lucio says bill first step of many in process Did visits make a difference? Student to dedicate break to service By BOBBY CERVANTES The Pan American Texas primary results decided early, students say
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Transcript
The day before Hillary Clinton’s
much-needed Texas primary win
Tuesday, husband Bill Clinton spoke to a
crowd of about 700 people in The
University of Texas-Pan American’s
Field House.
The slim crowd barely made a dent
in the 4,000-seat venue, setting off fears
that Clinton’s presidential campaign was
on its last breath. The results Tuesday,
however, quelled those fears, for now at
least.
Clinton won 50.8 percent of the
vote in Texas, giving her 61 popular vote
delegates. Barack Obama took 47.4 per-
cent and 61 delegates. Caucus results are
still pending.
Hidalgo County proved worthy of its
Clinton country label, with 73.8 percent of
votes going to the New York senator.
The campaigning done in the
Valley by both presidential camps was
extensive, but did it really make a differ-
ence in a county where Clinton was
already the frontrunner?
Isidroalex Morgado, freshman eco-
nomics and communication double
major, doesn’t think so.
“Personally, I always thought there
was going to be that turnaround,” he
claimed. “People feel connected to
Clinton because of the past — Bill
Clinton. That’s what helped her out.”
While waiting in line to see the for-
mer president speak at UTPA Monday,
Gina Lima, a sophomore
engineering/pre-med major, said the idea
of the Clinton duo in office was a selling
point for her.
“I feel like his experience in office
has been amazing for the nation and both
of them working together, two intellec-
tual people who have experience run-
ning with the nation, would be amaz-
ing,” she said.
Morgado, who is also president of
The Republicans Club of UTPA, said
while Obama had a “really good cam-
paign,” he feels that the public’s person-
al feelings and connection with Clinton
influenced their vote.
“Sometimes, emotions and feelings
get more in the way and that’s more
important to them; feeling that connec-
The Valley may be next on the list
to receive a state-of-the-art Health
Science Center, according to Sen. Eddie
Lucio Jr. However, with many Texas
metropolitan areas vying for the facility,
the competition is fierce.
Lucio brought to light the idea in a
February meeting to the Board of Regents
at The University of Texas-Pan
American. In 2007, the senate approved
the bill but it did not follow through with
the house, so plans are for Lucio to re-file
or file another bill during the next session
which begins Jan. 13 2009.
The bill proposed a Health Science
Center with a medical school and other
health programs for first- and second-
year students that will cover South
Texas, including Jim Hogg, Kenedy and
Zapata County.
It also required a $28 million startup
for research and training facilities to be set
up at the Regional Academic Health
Center at UTPA, The University of Texas-
Brownsville and Harlingen.
“One of our biggest problems we
are facing in this region, one of the fastest
growing in the state, is that we have the
lowest physician ratios in the state,” said
Lucio. “In Cameron County, the ratio is
125 physicians per 100,000, and in
Hidalgo that ratio is 105 physicians per
100,000…without a health science center
the Rio Grande Valley is moving med-
ically backward, not forward.”He added that Valley residents
needing care should not have to travel to
Central and North Texas to receive the
care they deserve: another reason why it
is imperative to establish the center.
“We cannot continue to be ignored
or bypassed for a health science center
elsewhere with the low ratios we have,”
he said. “This area has a high diabetes
rate, and the lack of adequate health care
By J.R. ORTEGAThe Pan American
See Page 16
Women’s basketball postseason tourney
SPORTS
Toastmasters help betterpublic-speaking skills
Art E magazine featureslocal art scene
See Page 8 & 9
See Page 3
A&E
NEWS
59th YearNo. 22
ThursdayMarch 6, 2008
TH
IS W
EE
K
� STATE
By SANDRA GONZALEZ
The Pan American
Health Science Center proposal hopeful
� NATIONAL
Roxy Solis/The Pan American
VOTE FOR HILLARY - Former President Bill Clinton meets and greets with the crowd after a Monday morning rally for Sen. Hillary Clinton at The University of Texas-Pan American Field House.
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER
See HEALTH page 11
See CLINTON page 11
� CAMPUS
Jessa Parce remembers her first visit
to America when she was 4 years old. The
new country she found herself in was a
stark contrast to her native Philippines.
“I remember in the cities [in the
Philippines had] many beggar children.
Several were cuddled on the lengthy over-
pass with one girl sitting on cardboard,
cradling a baby, and children would bathe
in the streets sometimes,” she said.
It wasn’t until she was much older
that Parce, a freshman general studies
major, realized her native country was
not the only one in peril.
“Obviously, the degree of poverty is
extremely different between the two coun-
tries, but I think some things remain the
same and hurt society equally,” she said.
“I mean, look at all the single mothers
here in the Valley, families without health
insurance, some parents working two or
three jobs just to make sure they have run-
ning water every month.”
According a 2004 study conducted
by U.S. Census Bureau, 30.5 percent of
Hidalgo County residents are below the
poverty level. Poverty level is generally
measure by indicators like the level of
income, drop out rates and jobless
households.
See VOLUNTEER page 11
Sen. Lucio saysbill first step ofmany in process
Did visits make a difference? Student todedicatebreak toserviceBy BOBBY CERVANTES
The Pan American
Texas primaryresults decidedearly, students say
20
love vacations as much as the next
person. What I’m not looking for-
ward to is hearing about everyone’s wild
adventures when they get back from
Spring Break next week.
I will be working most of the week
and catching up on sleep. Sounds boring,
I know. But it may surprise you that
those plans aren’t as rare or geriatric as
you may think.
In class this week, I overheard one
girl tell her friend that her plans includ-
ed putting in more hours at Starbucks to
make a car payment.
That got me to thinking, if you
really have that much time for partying
this coming week, I hate you. Yes, you.
Sip your overpriced, rum-filled
drink. Live your life like you’re on The
O.C. while it lasts, because if you’re cel-
ebrating your precious break at South
Padre Island, you’re money surely won’t
last long.
I hope you enjoy your nights out
and your days sleeping in. In one week,
it’s back to the drone of life. We working
schmoes are not delusional. We know
life goes on even March 10 to March 14.
I’m sure everyone will come back
with the fondest memories via pictures,
souvenirs and the most attractive peeling
skin this side of the border. Well, lobster
face, here’s some bad news: The only
truly long-lasting memory you will gain
is a mysterious rash that develops two
weeks after...ehem...that night. And the
worst part is you’ll know you deserve it.
Just be sure to card your one-night
stands, because jail bait is a real crime.
Don’t believe me? Take a look around
when you get to your sandy destination
of choice. You’ll be the oldest one there.
Going wild during Spring Break is a
high school thing. Doing it now doesn’t
make you “cool,” it makes you lame and
poorer.
But go if you must. Enjoy your
coconut drinks, beaches and one-night
stands while trying to forget that you’re
probably the only one in that club that’s
actually over 21.
Maybe I’m just bitter. Then again,
what’s new?
Well, I guess I should say some-
thing wise. Uhm...don’t be stupid. 7-167-16
The 69th annual Rio GrandeValley Livestock Show
commences at the MercedesLivestock Showgrounds.Tickets are $15 and avail-able for purchase at LittleCaesar’s and H-E-B stores
across the Valley
THE PAN AMERICANPage 2
1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539Phone: (956) 381-2541
Fax: (956) 316-7122www.utpa.edu/dept/panamerican
THE
PANAMERICAN
MARCH 6, 2008
The Pan American is the official student newspaperof The University of Texas-Pan American. Viewspresented are those of the writers and do notnecessarily reflect those of the paper or university.
The Pan American accepts letters of 300words or less from students, staff and facultyregarding recent newspaper content, campusconcerns or current events. The Pan Americanreserves the right to edit submissions for grammarand length. The Pan American cannot publishanonymous letters or submissions containing hatespeech or gratuitous personal attacks. Please send allstory ideas to [email protected].
Individuals with disabilities wishing toacquire this publication in an alternative format orneeding assistance to attend any event listed cancontact The Pan American for more details.
Pharr Chamber ofCommerce will showcase30 local restaurants at the
Pharr InternationalConvention Center
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
6 The UTPA Graduate Fairwill be held at the Annex
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“Mr. And Mrs. CountrySoul” to perform in front of
Student Union from noon to 1 p.m.
Comedians like Jim Carrey may be
great for getting laughs out of audiences
and moviegoers, but according to
Melanie Booth-Butterfield, there is a
way to use communication to entertain
and make people laugh.
As the first ever invited speaker for
the Hauser Lecture Series at The
University of Texas-Pan American,
Tuesday Booth-Butterfield uncovered
myths about what communication is not
and how personality traits play a role in
how people communicate in her presen-
tation “When Communication, Humor
and Emotions Collide.”
The professor responsible for her
visit, Timothy Mottet, said that, “Until
yesterday, I don’t know if our students
fully understood that human communi-
cation can be studied as a personality
orientation.”
Mottet, a newcomer to UTPA,
holds the Hauser Chair in the department
of communication; he came to the uni-
versity from Texas State. His mentor,
Booth-Butterfield, a communication
studies professor at West Virginia
University, intrigued the audience by
discussing various personality traits
whose names she coined herself.
So-called “humor orientation” took
three different forms: Hi-Ho or high
humor orientation, Lo-Ho or low humor
orientation, and Mo-Ho, a moderate form.
“Humor orientation tends to be a
very positive thing to have,” she said.
“Numerous studies show the benefits of
effectively communicated humor.”
In her presentation, actress Lucille
Ball stood for Hi-Ho while tech impresa-
rio Bill Gates was considered a Lo-Ho
according to the audience.
“I think that Bill Gates probably has
some phenomenal traits. He’s certainly
an intellectual. He’s certainly entrepre-
neurial,” Booth-Butterfield said. “Is he
someone to have around when you sit
As a college student at the
University of Minnesota, Jay
Switchtenburg was by his own admission,
“very shy and couldn’t look at anybody.”
Even after joining various speech
teams, he didn’t do very well compared
to his fellow speakers.
So after graduation, when he was-
n’t able to participate in school-spon-
sored speaking events, he got involved
with Toastmasters International.
Toastmasters, as it’s called for
short, is an organization that aims to
make members become more “compe-
tent and comfortable in front of an audi-
ence,” according to the organization’s
Web site.
“There were so many great speakers
and I [became] passionate and realized
that it is very important to communicate
effectively,” said Switchtenburg, 28.
After joining a now non-existent
club chapter at South Texas College, he
switched to The Grande Evening
Toastmasters club at The University of
Texas-Pan American and was able to
continue his pursuit in sharpening com-
munication and leadership skills.
Chartered as a local chapter of
Toastmasters International in 1998,
Grande Evening Toastmasters is the only
bilingual/bicultural chapter of the organ-
ization in the United States.
Because of this advantage,
Dedeyla Conde, club secretary, said the
group is able to “encourage a Spanish
and English audience to participate,”
and get better at conveying their
thoughts to a crowd of five, six or even
100.
Conde joined Toastmasters as a
Adjusting to college life is consid-
ered a difficult transition for most, but
imagine adjusting to college life and civil-
ian life at the same time. That’s exactly the
challenge facing Christian Murray, a dis-
charged Air Force senior airman.
Like so many vets coming home, it
isn’t so easy to switch gears. Murray
who grew up in Maryland but since then
has moved to Edinburg, said that he still
hasn’t quite adjusted.
“Transitioning from military to
civilian life can be a little bit depressing,
and a culture shock because you get used
to a certain way of life,” said the junior
pre-pharmacy major.
In an effort to support student vet-
erans like Murray, The University of
Texas-Pan American has created
Helping Ourselves and Others After
Homecoming, which will offer counsel-
ing sessions to students returning from
military service. It will debut this month.
Murray explained that since he
began attending UTPA, his military
service has been unnoticed; he has not
felt any form of encouragement from the
university.
The construction of the Rapid
Response Center has become the latest
ambitious project for The University of
Texas-Pan American. But in order to
execute this manufacturing power-
house, it will take some “seed money,”
said Miguel Gonzalez, associate dean
of The College of Science and
Engineering.
Gonzalez’s seven-year patience
was awarded when the U.S. Department
of Labor gave the North American
Advance for Manufacturing Initiative a
$5.5 million grant.
Lloyd has been working closely
with UTPA on plans for the Rapid
Response Center and with the alliances
between UTPA, South Texas College
and K-12 schools across the Rio
Grande Valley.
“Previous grants put together our
partnership,” said Gonzalez. “This grant
will bring many opportunities for stu-
dents and develop partnerships across
the region.”
UTPA will receive $2 million over
the next three years to fund the start of a
manufacturing research building called
THE PAN AMERICANMarch 6, 2008 Page 3
NEWS
By ANA VILLAURRUTIAThe Pan American
� FINANCIAL
Series on communication begins
TOASTMASTER - Maggie Medrano, a study abroad program adviser and guest at a Toastmasters meeting, exercises herspeaking skills. Participants Tuesday were given a fortune cookie and asked to present the meaning of their fortune. See GRANT page 12
New service to offersoldiers listening earBy TERESA TORRESThe Pan American
See COUNSELING page 12
� COUNSELING� CAMPUS
See SPEAKING page 12
See SERIES page 12
Ben Briones/The Pan American
By LUPE A. FLORESThe Pan American
By ABBY MUNIZThe Pan American
� LIFE SKILLS
Donʼt end aspeech with ques-tions and answers.
Instead, tell theaudience that you will take
questions and then say, “Wewill move to our closingpoint.” After the Q and A, tell astory that ties in with yourmain theme, or summarizeyour key points. Concludewith a quote or call to action.
Didyouknow?
$5.5 milliongranted tonew center
Group teaches speaking skills
Source: Rob Sherman for Toastmasters magazine
Expert explainsthe softer side ofdiscipline
NEWSPage 4 March 6, 2008
NEWSMarch 6, 2008 Page 5
NEWSPage 6 March 6, 2008
The healing power of art has long
been studied and defended. At The
University of Texas-Pan American, the
Counseling and Psychological Services
group was hoping to call upon that power
with The Mask Making project held
Tuesday morning.
“The Mask Project is part of a series
of activities that will take place during the
week, sponsored by [the office] to bring
awareness to our university community
about suicide prevention, grief, depres-
sion, hope and healing,” said Mirta Feal
Rodriguez, a UTPA counseling therapist.
Throughout the world masks are
used for their expressive power, often as
feature props of a masked performance.
They are a familiar and vivid element in
many folk and traditional pageants, cere-
monies, rituals and festivals. Many masks
are of an ancient origin.
They are often a part of costume
that adorns the whole body and embod-
ies a tradition important to a particular
society of people. They are used almost
universally and maintain their power
and mystery both for their wearers and
their audience, retaining an important
place in the religious and social life of
the community.
Rodriguez was in charge of the
event and was intent on getting the word
out to students and faculty.
“This exciting project originated
from an activity done by the Women’s
Support Group which meets on
Thursdays at noon at the Counseling and
Psychological Services. The students
who have seen the flyers and have heard
about the event are really excited and
fired up for it,” said Rodriguez before
the event.
Rodriguez, who has worked for
UTPA for 11 years, said that the event
was not just for making masks, but to
help people in need find a creative way to
put their stress or problems away.
Similar projects have been used for
suicide awareness programs in other col-
lege campuses such as UT-Austin,
UTSA, and the Dallas Art Institute. The
idea of the event is to provide an artistic
outlet for emotional healing, and to allow
participants a safe vehicle for expression
and communication of their feelings and
experiences through a creative and ideal-
ly therapeutic art activity.
In addition to the mask activity, par-
ticipants walked away with information
on these important topics.
“Masks have been used in therapy
for a long time, but this is the first time
we have attempted this type of project in
a large scale,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said students were able
to channel or let go of stress by creating a
mask employing the numerous paints,
beads, gemstones, feathers, ribbons her
office has purchased for the event.
“This creative outlet will probably
be done consciously and subconscious-
ly,” Rodriguez said. “Clinical experience
has demonstrated that the images pro-
duced in making art help externalize and
resolve internalized fears, conflicts and
blocks. As an optional activity, the indi-
viduals were asked to name their masks
and write a description of their mask.”
Senior art major Monique
Rodriguez is interested in the idea of
using art as a relaxant.
“How cool is it to channel your rage
and problems into a creative thing? I
think masks are really cool, and to make
one is even better because you are design-
ing it. Nobody is telling you what color to
paint it or what jewels or feathers to put
on it, it’s your mask,” said the 21-year-old
from Edinburg. “I think it is a great cre-
ative outlet, not only for people with
problems but other people in general, and
what is so neat is that you don’t have to be
an art major or artist to make one.”
Sophomore communication disor-
ders major Giselle Mata has experienced
the relief creative arts has to offer.
“I always kept convincing myself
that I was never an artist, but one day I
was feeling kind of down so I just picked
up a paintbrush and started making a col-
lage with pictures and paint and I felt so
much better,” said the 20-year-old from
McAllen. “Using creativity to get through
a really low point in your life will always
bring you back up to a high point.”
Rodriguez and her colleagues have
shared in on the creative process.
“The experience of making a mask
can be described as an awesome, power-
ful experience,” said Rodriguez. “No
one really knows how the mask will turn
out until it is completed.”
Several examples of creative out-
put will be on public display Wednesday
through Friday at the Student Union
Commons.
Participants had the option of hav-
ing their masks displayed, taking their
masks with them, or simply getting rid
of the masks once completed. The idea
was for the experience to be as private or
as public as they wanted it to be.
Elva Galvan has never graced the
Jeffers Theater Stage, but the theater
department knows there would be no
productions without her.
Behind the scenes, Galvan, theatre
business manager, runs the show by
catering to the needs of the public. She
has been employed with UTPA since
August 2000 and has been involved
with the theatre department since
November 2001.
“I take my position very seriously
and it is my duty to be here to serve our
patrons,” the Edcouch native said.
Most recently, Galvan listened to
those voices of the all important public
and supported a major change within
the theater.
On Feb. 14, the Texas-Pan
American University Theatre was offi-
cially renamed University Theatre
Productions after Galvan noticed a bit of
confusion among theatergoers. The
vocalized uncertainty began when peo-
ple thought that University Theatre was
an actual theatre, instead of an organiza-
tion devoted to putting on plays.
The business manager noted the
complaints started within the past year
or so, and said that the organization was
willing to try the name change if it will
be helpful.
“We try our best to make all our
patrons happy,” Galvan said.
During her childhood, Galvan did
a few Christmas plays but never
thought she would be heavily involved
in theatre. Now that she’s big into the
theater, she hopes that her own family
will follow her lead.
“My dream is for my 5-year-old
granddaughter, Alyssa, to be our next
Brian Warren, director of children’s
theatre in the next 30 years,” she said.
“At her age, she already loves theatre.”
Galvan has a passion for theatre
and is proud of what the program has
accomplished. Unfortunately, there are a
few downfalls involved.
“The hardships of working in the
&RTS EA
Mirta F. Rodriguez
NTERTAINMENT� BEHIND THE SCENES
THE PAN AMERICANMarch 6, 2008 Page 7
� ART SCENE
By AMANDA ALANIZThe Pan American
Theater managermaintains productionoutput
See GALVAN page 10CREATIVE CHANNELING - UTPAʼs Counseling and Psychological Services held its Mask Making Project Tuesday morningat the Student Union, encouraging students to relieve their stress and find their inner artist through mask design.
By RUSSEN VELAThe Pan American
Students relieve stress through art
UNMASKED - The University of Texas-Pan Americanʼs counseling therapist MirtaFeal Rodriguez said mask-making is a good creative outlet for students. The eventwas one of the planned activities used for emotional healing and freedom.
Mirta F. Rodriguez
fter four years of the established First FridayArt Walk in McAllen, it has become apparent
that the growing art community has found a homefor itself in the Valley.
New galleries and venues are opening almostmonthly to accommodate the expanding art scene,but getting the word out there has been a slowerprocess. The McAllen Chamber of Commerce andMcAllen Arts Council have recently found a way tospread the news through its own publication art Emagazine. The “E” is short for experience.
While the Chamber already heavily promotesthe arts through various Web sites, the lack of a fea-tured publication came to members’ attention afterUTPA student, Michael Rodriguez’s suggestion.
“I got the idea to do this after coming back froma trip to Austin. I saw how much they had going onup there, better yet, how they had a proper media toshow what’s happening,” said the 20-year-old juniorphilosophy major. “I was a very angry individual atthe time. I kept hearing people [here] say ‘Oh noth-ing ever happens here.’ So I wanted to show peoplethat something does happen in the Valley.”
Although Rodriguez’s reason for starting a pub-lication was to make the Valley residents aware andinvolved in the art community, he himself was one ofthose individuals skeptical of the possibilities theSouth Texas culture has to offer.
“Straight out of high school, I went to Californiafor a year and half and then came back and startedgoing to Pan Am,” said Rodriguez, of McAllen. “It’sa common misconception people have that if youleave, the world’s just going to open up for them. Iwent out there and found out that there are a bunchof events going on down here.”
Rodriguez, teamed with fellow Bronc NayellyBarrios on the idea and pitched it to the board com-mittee through Virginia Haynie Gause, who runs theart event Web site Artsrgv.com.
The magazine, which published its first issue inNovember, is a quarterly publication dedicated sole-
ly to the art and entertainment community and issponsored by the McAllen Chamber and Council.Art E, according to its managing editor Barrios, is adifferent take on the average local arts publication.
“It looks so contemporary. It’s not your typicalmagazine,” said the junior English major, Barrios.“We have stories about up-and-coming artists, estab-lished artists and featured galleries. We also don’thave ads in our magazine, which a lot of people like.It’s very clean and tastefully done.”
Getting a sponsor and story ideas weren’t hardto come by, but getting a staff and audience tooksome effort.
“I’d be talking about it to people at work andthey’d be like, ‘What are you talking about? There’snot art in the Valley,” said the 22-year-old Barrios.“They would totally lose hope and say the magazinewouldn’t make it. You can’t say there’s no art.”
Supportive staff however, was not a problem. BothRodriguez and Barrios felt the publication would workbest with an all-student staff.
“We want to offer to them [the students] anopportunity. It’ll look good on your resume and it’ssomething we wanted to share with the students wecome to Pan Am with,” said Barrios, of Mission.
While their staff is composed of UTPA students,everyone has something different to add to the publica-tion, styl e and composition-wise.
“It’s very interesting to know that when youhave a group of writers that aren’t the most experi-enced writers, it feels so good to know that they’restill willing to help you,” said Barrios, a self-admit-ted creative writer. “We have one girl who started offwith no journalism experience whatsoever and sever-al other people who are mostly creative writers likeme. Big difference. But they picked it up quickly.”
Rodriguez finds the students’ unfiltered mindsto be compatible with the publication and its mission.
“I go for the students because I’d like to thinkthey have more of an open mind when it comes tolooking at things,” said Rodriguez, of McAllen. “Injournalism, you’re supposed to write like this—noopinion. I think it’s impossible to not have an opinionon something and then give the illusion that it’s unbi-
ased. I always tell my writers, ‘You’re going to haveyour own opinion, let it be known. Just don’t get tooaggressive.”
More important than an open-minded staff saidRodriguez, are the endless possibilities in the worldof art.
“With the arts, it gives variety. It gives color tolife. Art is a beautiful thing, there is nothing like it,”he said. “This is a human magazine.”
Visual attraction is a major factor of the art E‘experience.’
“You can’t tell people what art is, you can onlyshow them. I want to bring visuals to the attention ofthe person before they read the content that way theyare already seduced,” Rodriguez opined. “I want tobring the change to them. I want to put it in theirface, ‘Look at all that’s happening.’ I want to get to apoint where they don’t have to look for it, but it’sbrought to them.”
Although Rodriguez and Barrios ultimatelyenjoy sharing their work with the public, the publi-cation’s foundation lies in the art community and itsopportunities.
“Overall, it’s been very interesting getting toknow the artists,” Barrios noted. “We have a lot oftalent in the Valley and personally I feel proud to bepart of a publication that showcases it.”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENTPage 8 March 6, 2008
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENTMarch 6, 2008 Page 9
Students feature local art community through publication
By JEANETTE PEREZThe Pan American
A
fter four years of the established First FridayArt Walk in McAllen, it has become apparent
that the growing art community has found a homefor itself in the Valley.
New galleries and venues are opening almostmonthly to accommodate the expanding art scene,but getting the word out there has been a slowerprocess. The McAllen Chamber of Commerce andMcAllen Arts Council have recently found a way tospread the news through its own publication art Emagazine. The “E” is short for experience.
While the Chamber already heavily promotesthe arts through various Web sites, the lack of a fea-tured publication came to members’ attention afterUTPA student, Michael Rodriguez’s suggestion.
“I got the idea to do this after coming back froma trip to Austin. I saw how much they had going onup there, better yet, how they had a proper media toshow what’s happening,” said the 20-year-old juniorphilosophy major. “I was a very angry individual atthe time. I kept hearing people [here] say ‘Oh noth-ing ever happens here.’ So I wanted to show peoplethat something does happen in the Valley.”
Although Rodriguez’s reason for starting a pub-lication was to make the Valley residents aware andinvolved in the art community, he himself was one ofthose individuals skeptical of the possibilities theSouth Texas culture has to offer.
“Straight out of high school, I went to Californiafor a year and half and then came back and startedgoing to Pan Am,” said Rodriguez, of McAllen. “It’sa common misconception people have that if youleave, the world’s just going to open up for them. Iwent out there and found out that there are a bunchof events going on down here.”
Rodriguez, teamed with fellow Bronc NayellyBarrios on the idea and pitched it to the board com-mittee through Virginia Haynie Gause, who runs theart event Web site Artsrgv.com.
The magazine, which published its first issue inNovember, is a quarterly publication dedicated sole-
ly to the art and entertainment community and issponsored by the McAllen Chamber and Council.Art E, according to its managing editor Barrios, is adifferent take on the average local arts publication.
“It looks so contemporary. It’s not your typicalmagazine,” said the junior English major, Barrios.“We have stories about up-and-coming artists, estab-lished artists and featured galleries. We also don’thave ads in our magazine, which a lot of people like.It’s very clean and tastefully done.”
Getting a sponsor and story ideas weren’t hardto come by, but getting a staff and audience tooksome effort.
“I’d be talking about it to people at work andthey’d be like, ‘What are you talking about? There’snot art in the Valley,” said the 22-year-old Barrios.“They would totally lose hope and say the magazinewouldn’t make it. You can’t say there’s no art.”
Supportive staff however, was not a problem. BothRodriguez and Barrios felt the publication would workbest with an all-student staff.
“We want to offer to them [the students] anopportunity. It’ll look good on your resume and it’ssomething we wanted to share with the students wecome to Pan Am with,” said Barrios, of Mission.
While their staff is composed of UTPA students,everyone has something different to add to the publica-tion, styl e and composition-wise.
“It’s very interesting to know that when youhave a group of writers that aren’t the most experi-enced writers, it feels so good to know that they’restill willing to help you,” said Barrios, a self-admit-ted creative writer. “We have one girl who started offwith no journalism experience whatsoever and sever-al other people who are mostly creative writers likeme. Big difference. But they picked it up quickly.”
Rodriguez finds the students’ unfiltered mindsto be compatible with the publication and its mission.
“I go for the students because I’d like to thinkthey have more of an open mind when it comes tolooking at things,” said Rodriguez, of McAllen. “Injournalism, you’re supposed to write like this—noopinion. I think it’s impossible to not have an opinionon something and then give the illusion that it’s unbi-
ased. I always tell my writers, ‘You’re going to haveyour own opinion, let it be known. Just don’t get tooaggressive.”
More important than an open-minded staff saidRodriguez, are the endless possibilities in the worldof art.
“With the arts, it gives variety. It gives color tolife. Art is a beautiful thing, there is nothing like it,”he said. “This is a human magazine.”
Visual attraction is a major factor of the art E‘experience.’
“You can’t tell people what art is, you can onlyshow them. I want to bring visuals to the attention ofthe person before they read the content that way theyare already seduced,” Rodriguez opined. “I want tobring the change to them. I want to put it in theirface, ‘Look at all that’s happening.’ I want to get to apoint where they don’t have to look for it, but it’sbrought to them.”
Although Rodriguez and Barrios ultimatelyenjoy sharing their work with the public, the publi-cation’s foundation lies in the art community and itsopportunities.
“Overall, it’s been very interesting getting toknow the artists,” Barrios noted. “We have a lot oftalent in the Valley and personally I feel proud to bepart of a publication that showcases it.”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENTPage 8 March 6, 2008
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENTMarch 6, 2008 Page 9
Students feature local art community through publication
MFA program making headway in spring By RUSSEN VELAThe Pan American
Professors integrate years of work into book� FILM AND TELEVISION
By JEANETTE PEREZThe Pan American
The University of Texas-Pan
American professor Jack Stanley and
professor emeritus Marian Monta have
tutored students in directing film and
broadcast productions for the past 30
years of their teaching careers. One could
say that these things are in their blood.
Recently, they put that innate the-
ater instinct into a collaborated book,
Directing for Stage and Screen—a ref-
erence guide for all there is to know
about film, stage, screen and everything
in between.
Tuesday morning, in promotion of
their book, long-time friends Stanley
and Monta held a book discussion at the
university library.
Monta, who has been teaching at
the university communication depart-
ment since 1971, found that the pro-
gram, while efficient in the classroom,
lacked the guidelines and proper defini-
tive structure a book could provide.
“We’re a model for other institu-
tions; our program is so much more
advanced. We want all of our students to
leave Pan-Am tri-medial. I was teaching
the dramatic program in any form, but
there were no textbooks,” said Monta. “I
had to make my own handouts and was
teaching the same material twice. So I
started to write one.”
The idea for the book came from a
compilation of many years of work that
sort of just piled up to make one whole.
“At the beginning it was principal-
ly mine, then at the end it was principal-
ly Stanley’s. I didn’t realize stylistically
how different we were, however,” said
Monta, who quit teaching full-time last
year. “My writing was very active,
Jack’s was very passive. But we worked
to make it very user-friendly.”
Although the information was all
there, getting it packaged proved to be a
difficult, lengthy process.
“We had different versions
throughout the years. I used to have my
students tell me what worked and what
didn’t,” Monta explained. “We used our
notes and compiled handouts that we’d
been using and had to retype them. We
figured we had enough material for a
book so we contacted a publisher.”
After three integrated iterations, the
publisher, Palgrave Macmillan, published
three versions of the book: hardback, the
“sensible” paperback and an online ver-
sion available through Amazon.com.
While proud of their accomplish-
ment, Monta finds herself relieved after
the long-writing process but has yet to
manage the courage to read through the
final product.
“The week after it was released, I
left the country. I’ve made other people
buy it but I myself haven’t opened it,”
said the legendary theater maven with a
laugh. “I’m scared to see all the mistakes
we missed.”
Whether one plans on taking their
act to the big screen or simply wishes to
learn about what the stage and screen
industry entails, both professors hope
the message is clear.
“People don’t understand what
goes into doing this, this is to teach them
how to direct on stage and screen,” com-
mented Stanley, who is currently under-
taking another writing project on
scriptwriting. He has a novel under his
belt as well.
“But it’s good as long as they get
something out of it that they can take,”
continued Stanley.
Stanley and Monta will have a
book signing Friday at the Barnes &
Noble Bookstore in McAllen from 6
p.m. to 9 p.m.
By JEANETTE PEREZThe Pan American
theatre are to see students audition and
not get cast. Some students take it really
hard,” she said.
Galvan is proud to say she has not
missed any production the theatre has
performed and the hard work of this ded-
icated individual doesn’t go unnoticed.
Gloria Garza, administrative asso-
ciate for the communication department,
said she has noticed a major change in
the theatre department since Galvan’s
involvement.
“She’s very efficient and always
goes to the highest possible extreme,”
Garza said. “She’s always optimistic and
really involved.”
Stephanie Hawks, assistant profes-
sor of costume design and manager of the
costume shop, said Galvan has made a
great impact on the theatre department.
“She handles probably more than
her job description,” said Hawks.
“Problems arise all the time and she han-
dles them very well. She never seems to
get flustered and just keeps on working.”
Galvan has hopes that the theatre
group will grow to accommodate to the
increase in committed patrons. She is
very grateful for all the help she’s
received from people dedicated to the
theatre program.
“It takes all our efforts put togeth-
er to accomplish everything we do,”
said Galvan.
Virginia Haynie GauseTEAMWORK - The University of Texas-Pan American theater-film-broadcast professor Jack Stanley (left) and professoremeritus Marian Monta held a discussion Tuesday at the university library in promotion of their new book, Directing for Stageand Screen. Stanley and Monta will hold a book signing at Barnes & Noble in McAllen Friday evening.
GALVANcontinued from page 7
Parce hopes to do her part in curb-
ing the trend of poverty in the Valley this
Spring Break as she volunteers with the
Rio Grande Valley chapter of Habitat for
Humanity, an organization that con-
structs houses for low-income families
in the area.
Volunteering during the break is a
trend recognized increasingly among
college students, particularly since
Hurricane Katrina caused major destruc-
tion to the New Orleans area in 2005.
Following the disaster, several school
groups gave up their Spring Breaks to
make the trek to volunteer.
Locally, Habitat for Humanity
offers many different ways in which vol-
unteers can help. The group is involved
in everything from housing construction
to clerical work.
“I would like to arrive at my desig-
nated destination and begin working on
a project,” Parce said. “I don’t care what
I do all that much. Construction, answer-
ing phones; whatever it is, I’m up for it.”
Parce was aware of many organiza-
tions dedicated to helping the disadvan-
taged, but in the end, she said her deci-
sion to help with Habitat was based on
her desire to physically aid families.
“I found out about Habitat for
Humanity from a teacher,” she said. “I had
initially considered my church and some
other groups I’m affiliated with, but I
wanted something hands-on and direct.”
Hoping that her story will inspire
others who have seen the ravages of a
Third World country to help the poor in
this country, Parce’s drive comes from
her hopes of a better future for everyone.
“If enough people are willing to help
the poor, they’ll eventually get back what
they give to the community,” she said. “So
many talents are being squandered
because of poverty. Think of how many
young children can’t fulfill their dreams
because they worry about problems at
home, rather than focusing on school.
Hopefully, once we help the poor stand on
their own two feet, they can help us help
even more, possibly even globally.”
Parce said her only goal for partic-
ipating is to see a needy family get the
shelter – and humanity - they deserve.
“I honestly have no grand notions as
to what I want to get out of all of this,” she
said. “I’m excited to just help a family
begin to start a new chapter in their lives
with that quintessential symbol of inde-
pendence and ability - owning a home.”
tion with their candidate,” he said.
“People felt that connection with
Hillary Clinton.”
Whether young people felt a con-
nection with Clinton or not remains to
be seen, but exit poll results released by
Declare Yourself, a non-partisan young
voter initiative group, found more than
620,000 people ages 18 to 29 years old
voted in the Texas primaries. That num-
ber is a vast increase from the 172,000
that voted in the 2000 state primaries.
Connections aside, Adan Nieto, a
second-year graduate student in public
administration, said Obama’s hopes for
getting the majority of Valley votes
were a long shot.
“I don’t think he stood a chance no
matter what he did,” he said. “I’m sad to
say he’s too new to the game.”
Had Obama had an earlier pres-
ence in the Valley, results could have
been different, Morgado suggested.
“The thing about Obama is that he
was a great speaker and he really did a
good job talking,” he said. “But some-
times when it comes to people they will
integrate more with the person who
spends more time with them and con-
nects with them than a person who just
talks to them, because words can be
deceiving. Actions speak louder than
words and that’s how Clinton communi-
cated.”
NEWSMarch 6, 2008 Page 11
Onydia Garza/The Pan American
CAMPAIGNING - One day before the Texas primaries, former president Bill Clinton reminded local voters of Sen. HillaryClintonʼs accomplishments and many Valley ties.
CLINTON continued from page 1
HEALTH continued from page 1
can only worsen the situation for so many
individuals afflicted with this disease.”According to the local American
Diabetes Associatoin chapter, 14 percent
of Hidalgo County’s population or more
than 60,000 people live with the type 1
and type 2 disease.
Lucio added there are multiple
planning stages to building the facility.
Lucio stressed that support from UTPA
is key and that funding is the foundation
on “how far and how fast we can go;”
although it is too early to know ballpark
estimations on cost and size.
“The development of a health sci-
ence center won’t take place overnight
even if funds become available,” he said.
“We certainly will need faculty who can
teach the classes, a medical research
library and laboratories, for starters.”
Scott Gunn, a professor of biology
at UTPA and health professions adviser,
said that he can only hope a health sci-
ence center will develop in the area,
because larger cities like Austin have
been working toward one for five years.
“There is a lot of competition for
the center,” he said. “We’re just another
school in this process.”
According to Gunn, Austin is the
second largest city in the state without a
medical center, which gives them the
upper hand as far as need is concerned.
Gunn added that it is more a “political
ballgame” than anything else.
Gunn suggested that the Valley
could see a health science center emerge
on the scene sooner if residents beging
to express their opinions on the issue.
Gunn also mentioned that enroll-
ment in the department of biology has
remained steady with roughly 600
declared pre-med/bio majors, 50 to 60
students graduating each semester, and
30 to 35 attending medical school.
For students like 20-year-old
Carlos Rivera, a junior pre-med student,
the opportunity of having a health sci-
ence center would be beneficial not only
for students but for the local community
as well.
“[I think] it will draw a lot more
attention, new research, more students to
enroll,” he said.
In May 2009, Rivera hopes to have
graduated from UTPA and have contin-
ued his academic career at the Health
Science Center in San Antonio.
He said if a local health science
center was built here, more than likely
stay home because of the close-knit feel
of the region.
Rivera added that the he’s most
excited about the opportunities that will
come his way in San Antonio but the
cost of living and being away from home
will be the downside.
“The Valley is family-oriented, has
a cheaper cost of living and I just feel
more at home,” he said.
VOLUNTEER continued from page 1-j
“No, I wasn't...Ithink she has moreexperience. I thinkpeople votedbased on that.”
Score by Innings R H ETexas Pan-American 11(10) 000 423 21 23 1Jackson State 000 001 001 2 8 2
Franco, Melo (7), Roth (7), and Lankford (8). Stewart, Deans (3), Cline (3),Delacalle (7), Lazard (8), and Davis (9). W-Franco (1-1); L-Stewart (0-3), S-None.
Teams kick off outdoor season with top-ten finishes
March 8 Bobcat OpenHost - Texas State San Marcos All Day
March 14 NCAA Indoor ChampionshipsHost - University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR All Day
March 21 Texas Southern UniversityHost - Texas Southern University Houston All Day
March 22 Texas InvitationalHost - University of Texas Austin All Day
March 28 Rice Bayou ClassicHost - Rice University Houston All Day
April 2 Texas RelaysHost - University of Texas Austin All Day
April 12 Kingsville MeetHost - Texas A&M Kingsville Kingsville All Day
April 19 UT TwilightHost - University of Texas Austin All Day
April 24 Rice TwilightHost - Rice University Houston All Day
May 2 Houston InvitationalHost - University of Houston Houston All Day
May 10 McNeese Last ChanceHost - McNeese University Lake Charles, LA All Day
May 30 NCAA Regional Championships Lincoln, Neb All Day
June 11 NCAA Outdoor Championships Des Moines, IA All Day
June 27 U.S. Olympic Trials Eugene, OR All Day
22852,285Number of points themen’s basketball team
scored this season
102102Number in millions
Pittsburgh Steelers quarter-back Ben Roethlisbergeragreed to in an eight-year
deal, making him one of thegame’s highest-paid players
1717The years Green Bay
Packers quarterback BrettFarve played in his NFL
career before retiringTuesday
SPORTSStatsAtAGlance
Onydia Garza/The Pan American
Page 16 March 6, 2008
IT IS TIME - Junior center Robin Garrett looks to claim the tipoff in Saturdayʼsaffair against Houston Baptist. Garrett, who is averaging 5.7 points and 3.1rebounds per game, looks to lead the pack, along with four seniors, in the2008 Independent Tournament.